Security Contract Language and Exhibit. NIST 800-53R5 Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC).

Security Contract Language and Exhibit. NIST 800-53R5 Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC).
However, NIST provides general cybersecurity guidelines and recommendations that organizations can consider when drafting contracts with vendors to address security concerns. Here are some key considerations:

Security Requirements: Specify the security requirements that the vendor must meet. This may include compliance with specific security standards or frameworks, implementation of security controls, incident response procedures, data protection measures, and regular security assessments.

Data Protection and Privacy: Clearly outline how the vendor will handle and protect sensitive data. Include clauses related to data encryption, access controls, data breach notification, data retention, and compliance with relevant privacy regulations (such as GDPR or HIPAA).

Security Incident Management: Define the vendor's responsibilities in case of a security incident or data breach. Specify reporting procedures, incident response timelines, communication protocols, and liability arrangements.

Subcontractor Management: If the vendor intends to engage subcontractors, require them to implement appropriate security measures and ensure that the primary vendor remains responsible for the security of the subcontractors' activities.

Security Audits and Assessments: Establish the right to conduct security audits or assessments of the vendor's systems, processes, and facilities. Specify the frequency, scope, and reporting requirements of these assessments.

Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Include performance metrics and SLAs related to security, such as system availability, incident response times, and backup and recovery procedures.

Termination and Transition: Outline the procedures and obligations in case of contract termination, including data handover, destruction, or transfer, and ensure that the vendor is committed to assisting in a smooth transition.

Intellectual Property and Proprietary Information: Address the protection of intellectual property and proprietary information, ensuring that the vendor does not misuse or disclose sensitive information.

It's important to consult legal and cybersecurity professionals to ensure that the contract language aligns with your organization's specific needs and regulatory requirements.